Population turnover and area deprivation

We know a great deal about the characteristics of deprived areas as a result of the development of neighbourhood statistics in recent years. By contrast, we know little about the dynamics of population turnover or migration that drive area change. Understanding these dynamics is key to improving efforts at neighbourhood regeneration and to developing mixed or sustainable communities.

This report provides the first analysis of neighbourhood migration flows for the whole of England and Scotland, based primarily on data from the Census 2001. Three dynamics are examined in particular:

* neighbourhood stability as measured by the scale of in- and out-flows;

* neighbourhood connection, assessed through the geography of moves - where migrants come from or go to; and

* area change - how the social composition of each neighbourhood alters as a result of net migration flows.

The findings challenge several of the "conventional wisdoms" about deprived neighbourhoods.

The report is aimed at those working in neighbourhood regeneration projects and in the development of neighbourhood policy locally or nationally. It should also be of interest to those who seek to understand the functioning and development of neighbourhoods more generally.